Chapter 76

elphine said as she stepped out of the door.

The sound of her voice made Isla’s stomach twist.

Delphine stepped further out from the open door, she was still dressed in a cream coat that houses her elegant cream blouse and a fitted beige skirt. Her glossy blonde hair framed her face perfectly, and her red lips curved into a faint smile.

Isla couldn’t believe it. Her heart skipped, a strange tightness forming in her chest.

“Mrs Wyndham.” Jude appeared behind Delphine, greeting Isla with a nod. Then he turned to Gabriel. “Miss Winthrope has an appointment with you, sir,” he said.

Gabriel nodded, dismissing him.

Jealousy consumed Isla and she almost couldn’t control it. She tried to swallow it down, but it burned in her throat.

Before she could speak, she felt Gabriel’s firm hand tighten around her waist–and he spoke.

“I invited Delphine,” he said smoothly, his tone steady. “We need to resolve some issues p>

Issues? Isla blinked, trying to make sense of it.

Delphine’s painted lips curved into a smirk that made Isla’s blood boil. The kind of smirk that said, I’ve been here before. Isla’s fingers itched with the urge to wipe that expression off her face, but she remained still, her posture calm and composed.

“Let’s go inside,” Gabrie said with a calm voice.

His hand remained around Isla’s waist as he led her into his office. The door closed softly behind them. Delphine followed with slow, confident steps, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor.

Gabriel guided Isla to the soft leather sofa and pressed a light kiss on the top of her head. “This won’t take long,” he said quietly. “Trust me p>

11

Isla didn’t trust Delphine–not one bit–but she wanted to trust her husband. So she nodded, even though her heart was still unsettled.

Delphine sat down across from Gabriel’s executive desk, crossing her legs with grace. Gabriel took off his suit jacket, showing how well his tailored blue shirt clung to his well defined body. He hung the suit neatly, and sank into his chair, his expression was now serious. Newest update provided by.net

“I don’t intend to waste your time,” he began, his voice sounding professional and somehow harsh. “So I’ll be straight with you, Delphine. I accepted responsibility for your pregnancy because I didn’t want to embarrass you in front of my family. I did it out of respect for our past. But once the child is born, I will demand a DNA test p>

His words hit Delphine like a stone.

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Her face twisted in shock, her eyes blinking continuously. “How… how can you even say that to me, Gabby?” she whispered, and then her voice broke as tears slipped down her cheeks.

Isla sat quietly, watching the scene with so much interest. She rolled her eyes slightly, her lips tightening to hide her annoyance. The crying looked dramatic–but part of her also saw the pain behind it. Still, her patience. was wearing thin.

Her phone suddenly buzzed inside her purse. The ringtone cut through the tension. She quickly pulled it out–it was an unknown number.

“I need to take this,” she said softly, standing and was already walking out.

Gabriel turned his head toward her, frowning. “Love, where are you going p>

“To answer a call,” she replied. “I’ll be right back p>

ther.

He nodded reluctantly. The door clicked shut behind

Delphine’s tears turned heavier the moment Isla left. But this time, it didn’t feel like an act. Her voice shook with genuine hurt.

“So now you can call her love in front of me?” she said bitterly. “Gabriel, I’ve loved you for years. I would give

my

life for you, and you know it. Is this what I get? Remember you promised me? You said you’d never leave me. What happened to that p>

Gabriel sighed deeply. His jaw clenched. “Delphine… three years ago, before you left, I thought-

“Please,” she cut him off unexpectedly, wiping her tears. “Don’t even go there. That’s the past. You and I…. Dewe’ve been through too much p>

Gabriel stood up. His eyes softened, but his tone remained steady. “Exactly. And that’s why I need to make things clear now. From this moment on, we are no longer a thing, Delphine. I want you to see me as your boss and nothing more. And as for the pregnancy-

The door suddenly opened again p>

Isla walked in with a calm, confident smile that immediately caught her husband’s attention.

Delphine’s eyes flared with fresh anger at the sight of her. Gabriel froze for a moment, not sure what Isla was up

“Sweet,” Isla said softly, her voice smooth but with a hint of fire underneath. “Can I ask Miss Winthrope a question p>

She turned to Gabriel, her brow slightly raised.

He hesitated but nodded. “Go ahead p>

Delphine scoffed. “What? You’re going to let her question me now? Wait a minute. Did you call me here just to humiliate me p>

Isla’s smile didn’t fade. “Delphine, please. Let’s not make this harder than it already is p>

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Gabriel sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Go ahead, Isla,” he said quietly.

Isla turned her gaze to Delphine. Her expression was calm, but her eyes were well focused. “I Just have one. question for you p>

Delphine’s face was streaked with tears, her makeup smudged, but she still tried to look composed. “And what’s that?” she asked, her voice shaking slightly.

Isla took a step forward. “Are you even pregnant p>

The words were not expected. And it hit Delphine in a very wrong place.

Delphine’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me? Are you insane?” she snapped, wiping her face roughly with the back of

her hand.

Gabriel blinked, stunned. “Isla, what are you saying p>

“Trust me on this, my love,” Isla said, not taking her eyes off Delphine. “I know exactly what I’m saying ”

“Delphine, ” she continued, her voice was firm and well controlled, “it’s a simple question. Answer it, and we’ll be done. Are you truly pregnant p>

Delphine pushed back her chair, standing abruptly. She grabbed her purse, glaring furiously at both of them. “I can see I was called here to be insulted. This is unfair p>

She turned to leave, but Isla stepped forward, blocking her path. Her voice rose, it was clear and strong.

“Prove to me that you’re pregnant, Delphine and that my husband is the father of your unborn child. Do that, and I promise I’ll divorce him myself and make sure he marries you p>

Delphine froze mid–step.

The silence that followed was suffocating. Even Gabriel’s breathing became quieter.

But Isla didn’t stop there. She stepped closer, her chin lifted high and her confidence didn’t waver.

“You have two days,” she said coldly. “Two days to prove to me, and to the entire Wyndham family, that you, Delphine Winthrope, are truly pregnant with my husband’s child. Bring your proof. And then, only then, we can talk t

Isla was no longer the quiet, soft–spoken woman Delphine or Gabriel once knew. She was claiming what rightfully belonged to her and she won’t stop until she has him only to herself.

Gabriel watched her silently, a mix of pride and surprise flickering in his eyes.

Delphine’s lips trembled. But instead of speaking, she turned around and stormed out, slamming the door. behind her.

Florence

Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.